Devil Slave (Satan system)-Chapter 1390: Lucifer’s conditions

Lucifer’s gaze lingered on Gabriel, the lazy amusement in his golden eyes slowly sharpening into something deeper—appraising, almost tender, like a predator recognizing an old companion in the wild.

He tilted his head just enough for the starlight to catch the edges of his feathers, and the silent question slid along their hidden thread.

*Do you now intend to swear your loyalty to me, brother?*

Gabriel stood motionless before the throne, face still carved from unyielding marble in expression.

Yet within the privacy of their minds, his answer came swift and certain.

*Yes. Yes, i do.*

A low, velvet chuckle rolled through Lucifer’s chest—soft enough that only Seraphina caught the edge of it aloud, though she could not hear its cause. In the hidden space between them, the sound was richer, warmer, edged with genuine delight.

*Of course.*

Lucifer leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees, wings shifting with a slow, luxurious stretch. His thought carried a playful menace.

*In that case... send proof of your loyalty.*

This much was expected. For new bonds to be formed, old ones mist be cut. And the proof of the new bond should be shown.

After all, thousands of years ago, Gabriel had been amongst those that had established punishment on lucifer.

He had also refused him then.

Also, those behind lucifer would be needing a kind of assurance if Gabriel were to join them.

For them that had suffered for thousands of years because of their loyalty to Lucifer, mere words in declaration of loyalty was not enough.

Gabriel’s burning gaze did not waver, but the question came immediately.

*What do you intend?*

Lucifer’s smile curved, slow and wicked.

*I would accept Michael’s holy tool. The sword that ripped out my old wings. Bring it, and ill welcome you with a warm embrace.*

Gabriel’s eyes flared—white fire leaping higher for the briefest instant, the only outward sign of the storm within. His mental voice remained steady, but laced now with the weight of impossibility.

*That blade is bound to Michael as deeply as your own holy tool is bound to you. It would be... hard.*

Lucifer’s chuckle returned, softer this time, intimate.

*If you were any other angel, brother, it would be hard. But I know you. You will find it easy.*

He paused, letting the words settle.

*After all... the horn at your waist can cut any tie. All it requires is the blood of the individual. That is how you severed my access to Heaven all those ages ago, is it not?*

Gabriel’s brow creased—the faintest frown, there and gone like a shadow across the sun. His fingers tightened imperceptibly around the pale gold trumpet hanging at his side. The memory hung heavy between them: Gabriel’s own hand, Gabriel’s own horn, sounding the final note that cast Lucifer out forever.

His thought came quieter now, edged with something almost weary.

*Is there... anything else?*

Lucifer leaned back once more, posture relaxing into regal ease, though his eyes never left Gabriel’s.

He nodded once—slow, deliberate.

*If that proves beyond you... then bring me... the head of any archangel.* 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

The void itself seemed to still.

Gabriel did not move. Did not blink. The weight of the demand settled like chains of star-forged iron. Either option was devastating.

Either option was heresy carved in blood and fire. Ridiculous in its audacity.

Yet after a long, breathless moment...

Gabriel inclined his head.

A single, grave nod.

Acceptance.

The void hung heavy in Gabriel’s wake, the searing light of his departure fading into cold starlight.

Seraphina shifted closer to the throne, her wings folding tight against her back. A sly, almost playful smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth as she glanced once more toward the empty space where the Herald had stood, then back to Lucifer.

"Poor little big brother messenger," she murmured, voice dripping with mock sympathy loud enough for the distant sentries to hear. "All that bluster and righteous fire... and still he left with nothing but your laughter in his ears."

Her crimson eyes glittered with satisfaction, as if she’d personally driven Gabriel away.

Then she leaned in, posture softening, and lowered her voice to a velvet whisper meant only for Lucifer.

"My lord... what just happened?"

Lucifer turned his head slowly, golden eyes catching hers with lazy amusement.

"Oh," he said softly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You noticed?"

Seraphina gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, her gaze searching his face.

Lucifer’s smile deepened, warm and conspiratorial.

"I think," he said, voice low and rich, "we might just have another player on the chessboard."

He glanced toward the distant blue marble of the Eighth Earth, wings shifting with idle grace.

"It makes the match... more interesting."

Seraphina’s brow creased, a delicate frown forming as she processed his words.

"Do you want me to do anything?" she asked, eagerness and caution warring in her tone.

Lucifer lifted one hand in a languid, dismissive wave, fingers fluttering like falling feathers.

"No, no," he said lightly. "They’re right for now. Their position is immovable."

His gaze returned to Earth, sharp and anticipatory.

"Let them wait... for the reply from Earth."

When Gabriel arrived in the gathering with the angels, Raphael, lying lazily on his mount turned to him.

"I heard your annoyance thunder from here. Please tell me your pretty voice outmatched his and now he has seen the errors of his ways."

Raphael was obviously teasing Gabriel, but he scoffed.

Gabriel walked away, a million thoughts in his head.

Meanwhile Michael gave a side glance at Gabriel.

His face morphed a bit in annoyance.

Gabriel stopped before him, giving a slight polite bow. Both of them were Archangels but Michael had superiority.

Also, Michael was in charge.

"We might have to slay your brother this time around." Gabriel spoke up.

"He had refused to serve the One Above All. He is not my brother." Michael turned away.

Gabriel did not see it, but Michael had a sad expression on his face. At the same time, Gabriel had a funny look in his eyes.